Isle of Skye Distillers

Isle of Skye Distillers is the first gin distillery on the Isle of Skye.

Founded by brothers Alistair and Thomas Wilson in 2016, Isle of Skye Distillers produces three small-batch gins: Misty Isle Gin, Tommy's Gin and a seasonal Mulled Christmas Gin, all distilled, bottled and finished in Portree.

The first batch of Misty Isle Gin was released in February 2017. Inspired by the local landscape, the label design is a representation of the Cuillin Mountains and features a copper foiling finish – a nod to the distillery's four copper stills. Each bottle is batch numbered and signed by either Alistair or Thomas Wilson.

Misty Isle Gin brings together clear spring waters from the Storr Lochs – just over 3 miles from the distillery – and a precise balance of 11 botanicals including juniper, coriander, grains of paradise, orris root, liquorice root, black cubebs, angelica root lemon peel, lemon verbena, cassia bark and another secret ingredient – the only clue is, it can only be found at high altitude on the Isle of Skye.

Launched in October 2017, Tommy's Gin was created in memory of Alistair and Thomas' late father, Tommy Wilson, who served in the Suez invasion. 'Tommy' is also a generic name and term of endearment for a soldier. Imagery and artwork on each bottle of Tommy's Gin is inspired by the Commando Memorial near Spean Bridge, which the Wilson brothers pass every week to deliver their gin to the mainland. For every bottle of Tommy's Gin sold, a donation is made to local military charities.

Tommy's Gin is distilled with botanicals including juniper, poppy seeds, blaeberries, orange peel, coriander and liquorice root; it is the only gin in Scotland to be distilled with poppy seeds as a botanical. Garnish with lemon peel and a few blueberries.

Launched in November 2017, Isle of Skye Distillers' Mulled Christmas Gin is distilled with a balance of juniper, cassia bark, orange, lemon, star anise, tonka beans and liquorice root. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange.

Isle of Skye Distillers' shop – just a stone's throw from the distillery – is home to the brand new gin school. Launched in August 2018, Isle of Skye Distillers' Gin School features six mini stills, accommodating groups of up to 12 gin enthusiasts who will learn the art of craft gin distillation first-hand and create their own small-batch spirit to take home with them.